Spain is well known as a land rich in culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, and it is also a paradise for food lovers. My recent trip to Spain was nothing short of spectacular, thanks to the well-crafted tour package I found on Thrillophilia. I had read quite a few Thrillophilia reviews before booking so my expectations were high and I’m delighted to say the trip exceeded them in every possible way.
My tour was an 8-day adventure across some of Spain’s most iconic cities which included Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Valencia. While each city offered a unique blend of history and culture, it was the food that truly stole the show. The regional specialties of Spain are unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, with each meal turning into a celebration of flavours, textures, and traditions.
The taste of Barcelona
My journey began in Barcelona, where the lively markets and wonderful restaurants brought Spanish cuisine to life. On the first day, I wandered through La Boqueria, a famous market that sells fresh produce, meats, seafood, and artisanal treats. I indulged in “Jamón Ibérico,” the region’s famed cured ham, which melted in my mouth with its delicate balance of savoury and nutty flavours.
For lunch, I went to an amazing seaside restaurant to try out an authentic “Paella” dish. Although Valencia is known worldwide as the place where this dish originated, Barcelona has its own version using fresh seafood.
When paired with a glass of Cava, the Spanish wine, it makes for one of the most satisfying meals. The tour guide had also recommended “Esqueixada,” a refreshing salad of salted cod, tomatoes, onions, and olives. This simple dish elevated the taste of each ingredient making it one of the most delicious meals I have had.
Madrid – A culinary journey through time
Next on the itinerary was the capital city of Madrid and as I had hoped, the food culture here was amazing. There were many traditional dishes to tantalise your taste buds and I had planned to try as many as I could.
In between exploring Madrid’s historical landmarks like the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum, I also had the chance to try the city’s famous “Churros Con Chocolate.” Dipped in thick, rich chocolate, the churros were the perfect afternoon snack after a day of sightseeing.
The street food scene in Madrid is equally impressive, with “Bocadillo de Calamares” (fried squid sandwiches) being a must-try when strolling through the bustling squares.
Seville – A tapas lover’s paradise
When I arrived in Seville, the heart of Andalusia, I knew I had entered tapas territory. Seville is famous for its small plates, and I wasted no time diving into the local flavours.
On my first night, I joined a tapas tour, which took me to several traditional tavernas around the city. Each stop introduced me to new dishes, from the tangy “Salmorejo” which is a cold tomato soup similar to Gazpacho but thicker to the delicious Garlic Shrimp, which sizzled as it was served.
Seville’s vibrant culinary scene truly shines in its ability to mix tradition with creativity. I also discovered “Tortilla de Camarones,” a crispy shrimp fritter unique to the region. One of my favourite moments was sitting in a bustling square, enjoying a glass of dry sherry with some delicious cured ham as I watched a flamenco performance. The atmosphere, combined with the food and drink, created an experience that I’ll never forget.
Valencia – Home of the paella
No culinary tour of Spain would be complete without a stop in Valencia, the birthplace of Paella. My visit to this coastal city was centred around trying the most authentic version of the dish. Unlike the seafood varieties I had tasted in Barcelona, Valencia’s Paella is made with a combination of saffron-infused rice, tender meat, and crispy “socarrat“.
But Valencia has more to offer than just Paella. I also tried “Horchata,” a sweet, milky beverage made from tiger nuts, which was wonderfully refreshing on a warm day. Another local specialty was “Fideuà,” a noodle-based dish similar to Paella but with seafood. It was an unexpected twist that added even more depth to my culinary adventure in Spain.
Beyond the food
Of course, no trip is just about food, and the overall experience of travelling through Spain was enhanced by the meticulous planning and execution of the tour package. The accommodations were top-notch, conveniently located near major attractions, and the local guides were knowledgeable and passionate about their country.
Most of the detailed reviews of Thrillophilia that I had read mentioned the seamless booking process and attention to detail, and I can now personally vouch for that. Everything from the transfers to the guided tours was perfectly organised, allowing me to focus on soaking in the culture and cuisine of each city.
